Those anglers visiting Cody Country intimidated by the fast-flowing rivers and streams can find solace in the fact that there are, literally, hundreds of stillwater fishing opportunities within a reasonable driving distance from North Fork Anglers.

Stillwater fishing brings to mind the idyllic scene of a fisherman lying on a grassy slope with a cane pole leaning out over the water with a bobber attached to the line while the fisherman sleepily awaits the tug of a passing bluegill, crappie or bass on his drifting bait. While this type of angling experience is popular in the Midwest, southern and eastern states, stillwater fishing in the Rockies is not as passive. Expect to find larger than average trout in most of our stillwater fisheries below 7200 feet. Above that, there are places to find lunker trout, but most are just great fun on 2-4 weight fly rods.

Fishermen preferring all types of angling tactics have discovered the treasures found in local ponds and reservoirs created for irrigation and agrarian uses. ( see Newton Lake ) The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has stocked many of these water storage impoundments with a variety of trout. Due to the mineral content of the mountainous soils, the water in these man-made lakes are rich with aquatic insects and crustaceans. This aquatic bio-diversity translates into good to trophy sized trout in most of these impoundments. For the fly fisherman, this also translates into a rod-bending great time.

Since these impoundments are generally found on public lands owned by either the Bureau of Land Management or the Bureau of Reclamation, there are no trespass fees and the public (local or visitors) can fish for free as long as a valid Wyoming Fishing License is in their possession.

And for unsurpassed beauty and crowd-free fishing, there's the Beartooth Mountain lakes. The Beartooth Mountain range has dozens and dozens of lakes found in the high altitude glacier plateau of the Beartooths.

Newton Lake is a productive and popular stillwater impoundment within the city limits if Cody that has trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout stocked regularly. It is located at the southern edge of the Beck Lake Green Belt project. A float tube is the best way to fish this reservoir.

Lots of weeds in the summer and getting a fly out over that requires a long haul. Landing a trout is even more difficult. Once one is out past the weeds, the trout are easily accessed. Dries, emergers, nymphs and streamers are very effective, as long as you match the hatch. North Fork Anglers keeps up with the insect activity daily and can provide you assistance with the hot fly of the day.

Another reservoir close to Cody is E. Newton Lake. East Newton has become very popular with the catch and release angler because this body of water is managed as a trophy fishery by the Wyoming Game and Fish. Brown trout, rainbow, brook trout and splake (a hybrid, sterile cross between brook and lake trout) cruise East Newton and provide an angling experience not soon forgotten by those fortunate enough to hang a hook in the lips of the numerous trout over twenty inches in this lake. Flies and lures only are the rules, no bait fishing allowed. Float tubes, one-man pontoon boats and stalking the banks are several ways our guides put guests into trout. Midges, caddis, damselfles, scuds, mayflies and chubs make for interesting fishing as you ply the entire water column. Come out and find why East Newton Lake has been called the crown jewel of stillwaters for Cody

If solitude ands a wilderness experience is more of what you envisioned when first spying the mountains jutting from the plains, a trip to the Beartooth Mountains is just what the fish doctor ordered. Most lakes are within a hundred yards or so from the road. Others require a hike of miles and some effort to find, but the fishing is usually worth the effort.

North Fork Anglers offers guided trips into the most productive of these high mountain lakes. Daily hike-ins, or overnight backpacking trips are offered for your choice. If you want to do it yourself, stop in the fly shop and one of our staff will direct you to the lakes most likely to produce action. We highly recommend you spend some time exploring, especially if you are on of those anglers wanting to get away from the crowds and experience the wilds of Wyoming first hand. Remember to pack bear spray and insect repellent since both of these biting critters inhabit the wilderness areas. It would also be wise to let someone know which route you plan to take and when you plan to return, even if only a day hike is planned. The Beartooths are rugged and wild. To be prepared is good advice.

Private Waters If you are the angler that prefers to have every fish you catch be a big one, there are also several pay-to-fish reservoirs within a short drive from Cody. Each of these are managed differently.

Some require advance booking and a guide, others allow walk in anglers without reservations. Some allow only catch and release, while others will allow the angler to bring home the day's catch for a price, or to keep the big one for a wall mount. Fish caught in these reservoirs are not usually measured in inches but in pounds. A strong rod and a stout heart is all that you need to provide.